Festival Miami brings jazz, classical, pop and more

Arts season is officially in full bloom in Miami now that the temperature is cooling down, and with it brings the 31st season of the fabulous Festival Miami, a month-long, live music extravaganza featuring a wide array of world-class performers sharing their skills alongside faculty and students from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music.

From Friday through Nov. 8, more than 25 concerts and events showcasing instrumentalists, orchestras, singers, songwriters, composers and other musical icons will descend upon UM’s Coral Gables campus. The stellar shows are organized into four genre themes: Great Performances, Jazz and Beyond, Music of the Americas and Creative American Music.

6 p.m. Sun., Oct. 12: Time for Three – Classical, Jazz, Bluegrass and moreTrio whose latest recording is described by NBC as “glowing…very hot,” performs music from Bach, Brahms, The Beatles, Katy Perry, Kanye West and Justin Timberlake.

8 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 16: Leon Foster Thomas – Steel Pan VirtuosoGifted jazz musician originally from Trinidad and now based in Florida, blends the music of his Caribbean roots with the music of North and South America into a lively mix all his own.

8 p.m. Weds., Oct. 22: Patti Austin Sings the Music of Ella Fitzgerald with the Frost Studio Jazz BandWhen Patti Austin sings, people listen. When she sings Ella Fitzgerald, they swoon! Enjoy Patti’s sensual voice as she performs a vibrant tribute to the First Lady of Song.

8 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 23: Songwriter’s Showcase – New Songs and InspirationStudents in the Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music program perform, judges and the audience pick their favorites, and the winner opens our Friday night concert.

7 p.m. Fri., Oct. 31: Frost Band of the Hour – Homecoming ParadeUnite with fellow Hurricanes on Alumni Avenue during Homecoming Weekend, welcome new director of athletic bands Jay Rees as he pumps up the Frost Band of the Hour in the Homecoming Parade, and enjoy a grand fireworks show. At the UM Coral Gables Campus, Eaton Lakeside Lot; tickets at www.miami.edu/alumniweekend.